So all day today I have had mild period cramps and light pain in my back but the only thing out of the norm is about every 10 minutes or so I can feel my stomach and abdomen tightening and it will get rock solid for about 30-45 seconds then go away. It isn't painful at all I only noticed because it feels like I'm doing crunches. What are these? And has anyone been in early stages of labor and it not been painful? How long did this go on before you gave birth? Sorry lots of questions!